England v Switzerland: Manchester City's Adam Johnson says missing out on World Cup made him a better player

Adam Johnson admits suffering World Cup rejection 12 months ago has driven him
on to improve as a player with England and Manchester City.

Next time: Adam Johnson missed out on the 2010 World Cup but hopes to feature in Brazil in 2014 Photo: REUTERS

4:28PM BST 02 Jun 2011

Johnson was part of Capello's provisional squad of 30 for the finals in South Africa but failed to make the final 23. The winger has responded by helping City qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup this season and impressed when on international duty.

Now he is looking to help England overcome Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday and take a major step towards qualifying for the Euro 2012 finals next summer.

Johnson said: "I was really disappointed last summer to miss out on the World Cup finals.

"I was pleased to get in the 30 but really disappointed not to go to South Africa.

"I thought I was in good form after moving from Middlesbrough four months earlier.